Perreaux SM6 User manual

Brand: Perreaux

Model: SM6

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

SM6/P

SM6/P

SM6/PSM6/P

SM6/P

Dual Channel Preamplifier

Owners Manual

Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those

expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company assumes no responsibility for

any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change products or

specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment to

update the information contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual property of

Perreaux are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux products, expressly or

by implication.

PERREAUX

is a registered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.

Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.

This page has intentionally been left blank.

Introducing the Perreaux

SM6 Preamplifier

Congratulations on your Perreaux SM6 purchase. To realise the full potential o

your unit you need to appreciate all aspects of its operation.

Before installing the SM6 into your system, read the entire manual carefully.

Endeavor to understand every detail by familiarising yourself with the controls

and features as you read. You will find it easier to install using the relevan

sections of this manual as a reference.

We have attempted to explain every feature and operation facet clearly an

concisely. Your Perreaux dealer will be happy to assist if you encounter an

unforeseen problems.

Read this manual, install your unit correctly and realise the sonic significance o

your investment in Perreaux.

Perreaux products are designed to provide the utmost in sonic realism an

electronic reliability with a functional yet elegant appearance that reflects th

care and craftsmanship applied during all stages of construction.

Features at a

Glance

àRugged build quality

àTruly balanced circuit design

àDiscrete Class A amplification throughout

àMultiple regulated power supplies

àWireless full function remote control

àPrecision volume control

àDual preamplifier outputs

àAdvanced PCB design and earthing techniques

To maintain the consistently high quality that you expect from us, and we expec

from ourselves, Perreaux products are essentially handcrafted.

We maintain the human-link throughout, from design and construction, throug

to the ultimate test, your music, your system, your ears.

Because we too listen to our products, we know that with your Perreaux you wil

discover many more of the musical secrets we strive to reveal.

Note:

All references to the SM6 Classic series are also applicable to the SM6

P-Series product.

From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for choosing th

Perreaux Reference Series SM6 preamplifier.

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Important Safety Instructions

Note:

All safety and operation instructions should be read carefully before th

SM6 is operated. Keep the Owners Manual in a safe place for futur

reference.

àThe SM6 should not be used near water, for example near a bathtub,

kitchen sink, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool, etc.

àThe SM6 should be rack mounted only in a heavy-duty rack or stand

that is recommended for audio equipment use.

àMounting to a wall or ceiling should be via a heavy-duty bracket or shelf

designed for audio equipment use.

àThe SM6 should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators,

stoves, or other appliances that produce excessive amounts of heat.

àDO NOT place the SM6 directly onto carpeted surfaces.

àAvoid exposing the SM6 to extremely high or low temperatures.

àThe SM6 should be connected to a mains power supply only of the type

described in the operating instructions, or as marked on the rear of the

unit.

àDO NOT disconnect the mains earth from the system.

àThe mains power supply cord should be routed so that it is not likely to

be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against it.

àThe power cord of the SM6 should be unplugged from the mains outlet

when the unit is to be left unused for long periods or when attempting to

connect or disconnect cables and before cleaning your unit.

àCare should be taken so that objects and/or liquids do not accidentally

fall inside the SM6.

àPlease keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.

àPlease unplug sensitive electronic equipment during electrical storms.

àPlease replace any fuse with the value and type specified.

àAvoid operating the SM6 with the cover removed.

àDO NOT bypass any fuse.

àDO NOT attempt to repair the SM6. In the event of a problem, please

contact your Perreaux dealer.

àDO NOT operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

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Table of Contents

Introducing the Perreaux SM6 Preamplifier ........................................................... 4

iiii

Important Safety Instructions.................................................................................... 5

iii

iiiiii

iii

Table of Contents......................................................................................................... 6

Unpacking and Placement......................................................................................... 7

Instant Install................................................................................................................8

Front Panel Functions............................................................................................... 10

Rear Panel Functions ................................................................................................ 11

Remote Control Functions ....................................................................................... 15

Special Design Philosophies .................................................................................... 17

Special Design Features............................................................................................ 19

Maximising System Potential................................................................................... 20

Care and Maintainance ............................................................................................ 22

1010

Warranty Information and Obtaining Service ..................................................... 23

1111

Extended Warranty Registration Form ................................................................. 24

1212

Faultfinding Your System ......................................................................................... 25

1313

Specifications.............................................................................................................. 30

1414

Physical Dimensions.................................................................................................. 33

1515

Contact Details........................................................................................................... 34

Unpacking and Placement

The SM6 is packaged for maximum protection. Please carefully read th

instructions below before proceeding to unpack the unit. Be extremely careful.

Unpacking

Procedure

à Inspect both ends of the cardboard box and open at the end without the

central staple by slitting the reinforced tape at either side.

à Fold back the flaps and tip the package on end and the inner box will

slide out.

à Lay the inner box down flat and upright, open it conventionally by

separating the top tray from the bottom.

à The product can now be removed from the bottom packaging. This will

be easier if you have someone to help you by holding the base of the

box.

à Alternately, the bottom tray and preamplifier could be tipped upside

down and the bottom packaging removed. If opened in this manner,

please ensure that you turn the contents over again.

Note:

Be very careful to secure the unit if you are planning to flip the packag

upside down.

à Remove the two white polystyrene protectors off either side of the unit,

leaving the black material covering.

à Pull back the material and remove the protective black tissue from the

front panel.

The preamplifier is now unpacked and ready for further installation.

Note:

Please retain all packaging material for future transport.

Box

Contents

1 x SM6 Preamplifier

1 x SM6 Product manual

1 x Perreaux remote control

2 x AAA batteries

1 x Detachable AC power cord

Placing

Your SM6

The SM6 should generally be placed close to your amplifier, keeping th

interconnect cabling short. Position all the separate components of your syste

close enough to your SM6 to avoid having to stretch or extend any of th

interconnect cables.

As a “rule of thumb”, allow 80-100mm (3-4 inches) around all sides of th

product and mount the SM6 on a flat surface, ensuring that the unit has adequat

access to free flowing air.

Do not place auxiliary equipment directly on top of the SM6.

Please do not cover the product with a cloth or similar.

Instant Install

If you are like us, the first thing you will want to do is to play your favourit

piece of music through your new SM6. The following instructions are written to

enable you to achieve this as quickly as possible. These are not comprehensiv

instructions, but are designed to enable you to play music now!

Note:

Please take the time to read the SM6 manual thoroughly as i

incorporates many features, which will enhance its operation.

Placement

The SM6 is a reference preamplifier and best results will be achieved whe

placed on a solid surface with adequate ventilation. DO NOT place on

carpeted floor or cover the preamplifier!

Turn off associated components

This minimises the potential to damage any other components when connectin

your SM6 into the system.

Connect SM6 to power amplifier

Connect the balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (RCA) outputs of your SM6 to th

appropriate inputs at the rear of your power amplifier.

Note:

Try to keep all interconnect cables as far from loudspeaker cables as

possible and well away from all AC mains leads.

Connect source component to SM6

Connect the relevant output of your source component to either the balance

(XLR) or unbalanced (RCA) inputs of your SM6.

Note:

Be sure to set the balanced CD input switch to the appropriate position,

ON if using the balanced (XLR) inputs and OFF if using the unbalanced

(RCA) inputs.

Switch on source component

Turn on the source component and make sure you have some program materia

ready to play.

Switch on SM6

After checking the supply voltage compatibility with the voltage rating on th

SM6 rear panel, insert the power cord-set supplied into the rear of the unit an

into the wall. Switch on the socket at the wall and power up the SM6 using th

switch on the rear panel.

Switch on power amplifier

Turn on your power amplifier.

Test for undesirable noises

Without any program source material, slowly increase the SM6 volume listenin

for any undesirable noises. After establishing that there are no problems, retur

the SM6 volume level back to zero.

Play your source material

Start your source material playing.

Increase the volume

Slowly increase the volume on the SM6 to achieve a comfortable listening level.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Now that you have achieved your first objective, sit back, relax and please rea

the rest of the manual at your own pace, in your favourite armchair, whils

sipping a hot cup of coffee. You’ll find the whole experience much mor

pleasurable whilst listening to music.

Front Panel Functions

Volume Control

When depressed, these buttons will alter the volume setting. The volum

adjustment range is 00 – 59.

Alphanumeric Display

The display will illuminate when the power is turned on at the mains powe

switch or when various remote or front panel adjustments are made. At turn-on,

the display will illuminate with 00 and default to the CD input. If no commands

are selected within two minutes, the display will revert to the standby mod

displaying a red dot only to indicate power is still on.

Source Select

When depressed, these buttons select the desired source input.

The order of source inputs and display indication is as follows:

Source Input Display

Compact Disc Cd

Tuner TU

Auxiliary AX

Laser Disc Ld

VCR VR

Tape TA

Note:

The source selector has six positions and supplies the chosen source to

the Main/Balanced outputs and VCR/Tape outputs. If the VCR or Tap

source is selected no signal is supplied to its applicable output to avoid

the potentially damaging feed back loop which can occur if inadvertentl

attempting to record and playback the same source simultaneously.

Rear Panel Functions

Caution!

Observe precautions regarding volume control settings. Please make all

changes at minimum volume setting. Only increase the volume after the

connections have been made.

Balanced CD Inputs

Accepts a signal from a CD player with balanced outputs via high quality XL

connectors. The use of good quality balanced line cable into the balanced inpu

cause the input signal to be relatively immune to noise and external effects

caused by the use of long interconnect cables, helps reduce hum loop noise an

aids in the cancellation of distortion products.

The pin assignments of the balanced XLR input connectors are as follows:

Pin 1: Signal ground

Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)

Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)

Shield ground: Chassis ground

Note:

Please refer to the operating manuals of your balanced output line level

source to verify that the pin assignments of the output connectors

correspond to the SM6 balanced inputs. In the event that they are no

compatible, the interconnecting cable will need to be altered to suit.

Balanced CD Input Switch

This switch selects which input to use for the CD source input. Set to ON i

using the balanced (XLR) inputs and OFF if using the unbalanced (RCA) inputs.

Note:

Do not connect source equipment to both the balanced and unbalanced

CD inputs at any one time.

Note:

The position of the Balanced CD Input switch has no bearing on the

balanced output, it only selects which CD input to use. Set the balanced

CD input switch to ON only when using the balanced CD input.

Refer to Chapter 13 “Specifications”, for detail on input sensitivity an

impedance.

Unbalanced Source Inputs

Accepts a standard single-ended input (RCA) from source components wit

single-ended analogue outputs. These high quality gold plated sockets are

highly conductive, corrosion resistant, and provide less potential for corrosio

induced distortion.

Refer to Chapter 13 “Specifications”, for detail on input sensitivity an

impedance.

VCR Line Outputs

This single-ended (RCA) output will provide a line level audio signal, suitable

for recording, from the selected source input. This output is disconnected whe

the VCR source input is selected; to prevent any potentially damaging feedbac

loops.

Tape Line Outputs

This single-ended (RCA) output will provide a line level audio signal, suitable

for recording, from the selected source input. This output is disconnected whe

the Tape source input is selected; to prevent any potentially damaging feedbac

loops.

Main Output 1

This single-ended (RCA) output is commonly referred to as “Preamp Out”. I

will provide the audio signal required to drive virtually any amplifier to full

power.

Main Output 2

This single-ended (RCA) output is wired in parallel with Main Output 1 and is

useful for supplying signal to another amplifier if bi-amping.

Balanced Outputs

This balanced (XLR) preamplifier output provides the signal required to drive

virtually any power amplifier equipped with a balanced input. Connectio

should be made with high quality cables fitted with XLR connectors.

Note:

The position of the balanced CD input switch has no bearing on the

balanced output; it only selects which CD input to use. It is not necessar

to set this switch to ON when using the balanced outputs.

The pin assignments of the balanced XLR output connectors are as follows:

Pin 1: Signal ground

Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)

Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)

Shield ground: Chassis ground

Caution!

Please refer to the operating manual of your amplifier to verify that the

pin assignments of the input connectors correspond to the SM6 balanced

outputs. In the event that they are not compatible, the interconnecting

cable will need to be altered to suit.

Input Voltage and Fuse Rating

Input Voltage

It is important that the SM6 be operated from the correct AC mains voltage.

This unit is factory set for the voltage applicable to the original country o

destination.

The SM6 will operate satisfactorily within a voltage variation of up to ±5% o

that voltage at which the unit has been set.

If you require the voltage setting to be altered, e.g. relocation to another area,

city or country, or extraordinarily high or low voltages, please contact you

Perreaux dealer. Qualified service personnel can only perform this modification.

Caution!

Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage. Severe

damage can result from applying incorrect voltage to the unit.

Fuse Rating

The fuse rating displayed here, refers to the rating of the mains inlet fuse.

For more information on fuse ratings, please refer to Chapter 13

“Specifications”.

Caution!

Never replace the fuse with any other ratings other than the one

specified.

Serial Number

The serial number is unique to your SM6. Please record this number and store i

in a safe place. For any service related enquiry, please be prepared to quote the

product serial number to Perreaux personnel or their service representative.

AC Mains Input

An IEC-standard mains input is provided at the rear of the unit. The AC cord se

is removable, allowing you to upgrade to a cord set of your preference.

Caution!

Prior to connection to the AC mains, please check the voltage label on

the rear panel to ensure that your unit conforms to the power supply in

your area. Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage.

Severe damage can result from applying incorrect voltage to the unit.

Power Switch

Depress this switch to the right (I) to turn power ON. Mute relay circuitry is

employed in the SM6 and output is muted for 1 to 2 second after the powe

switch is actuated. Depress this switch to the left (O) to turn the SM6 off a

which time the outputs will be disconnected.

The SM6 resets the volume to minimum and balance to centre at turn-on.

AC Mains Fuse

The SM6 is equipped with a user serviceable AC mains fuse. In the event o

fuse failure, always replace with the same type and value fuse. Remember, fuses

do not usually blow without a reason. Any doubts about fuse failure should be

conveyed directly to your Perreaux dealer.

For more information on fuse ratings, please refer to Chapter 13

“Specifications”.

Caution!

This is the ONLY user accessible fuse.

Never replace the fuses with any other ratings other than the one

specified on the rear panel.

Always ensure your SM6 is disconnected from the mains supply before

attempting to change the mains fuse.

Remote Control Functions

The SM6 comes supplied with a 29 button Perreaux Universal infrared remot

control.

The remote control uses 2 x AAA batteries and may be changed by slidin

forward the plastic cover located on the bottom of the remote.

Note:

Press the red button on the remote to select the code-set required to

control the SM6.

The SM6 uses the following functions:

Mute

Depressing this control causes minimum volume to be selected. The displa

will indicate "MU" until any front panel or remote control button is actuated, o

the mute button is depressed again at which stage volume will be returned to th

previous setting.

Note:

After one minute, the SM6 will enter standby mode and volume will b

set to zero. The display will revert to a red dot, indicating standby.

The mute control has a ‘punch through’ function and will operat

regardless of the code-set selected i.e. you can be operating the CD

player remote functions and still use the mute control without selecting

the button first.

Display

Pressing this button will cause the display to revert to the standby indicatio

(one red dot) and is intended for use if the light of the display is distracting (fo

instance in a darkened room). Depressing any key will cause the display to

revert to its normal operation.

Balance Left / Balance Right

The balance controls allow you to vary the level of either the Left or Righ

channel to obtain the correct stereo balance for your listening position. Pushin

the Balance Left button will cause the level of the right channel to be attenuate

(decreased in volume). Pushing the Balance Right button will cause the level o

the left channel to be attenuated.

During any balance adjustment the display will indicate the direction o

adjustment, left or right, with an "L" or an "R" followed by a number indicatin

the level of adjustment. The range is L1-L9 and R1-R9. "LR" on the displa

indicates the balance is centred. Pushing either button will initially cause th

display to indicate the current balance position.

Note:

Balance settings are not stored, should the SM6 be turned off at th

mains power switch.

Tuner Source Select

Depressing this control selects the Tuner source input and the relevant code-set.

The Tuner input is indicated by “TU” on the display of the SM6.

Compact Disc Source Select

Depressing this control selects the Compact Disc source input and the relevan

code-set. The Compact Disc input is indicated by “Cd” on the display of th

SM6.

Tape Source Select

Depressing this control selects the Tape source input. The Tape input is

indicated by “TA” on the display of the SM6.

VCR Source Select

Depressing this control selects the VCR source input. The VCR input is

indicated by “VR” on the display of the SM6.

Laser Disc Source Select

Depressing this control selects the Laser Disc source input. The Laser Dis

input is indicated by “Ld” on the display of the SM6.

Auxiliary Source Select

Depressing this control selects the Auxiliary source input. The Auxiliary inpu

is indicated by “AX” on the display of the SM6.

Volume Up

Depressing this button increases the volume.

Volume Down

Depressing this button decreases the volume.

Note:

The Volume control has a ‘punch through’ function and will operat

regardless of the code-set selected i.e. You can be operating the CD

player remote functions and still use the volume controls withou

selecting the button first.

Special Design Philosophies

Perreaux has been designing and manufacturing only the highest quality audio

componentry for more than a quarter of a century. Technology has continued to

evolve rapidly over that time and our knowledge and application of design,

materials and manufacturing techniques has advanced in tandem with this.

Today’s Perreaux range comes closer to fulfilling our shared vision than at an

other time in the past.

To follow is a discussion on some of Perreaux design philosophies that hav

been incorporated into the entire range.

Minimalist

Design

Leading British architect, John Pawson, writes:

“The Minimum can be defined as the perfection that an object

achieves when it is no longer possible to improve it by subtraction.

This is the quality that an object has when every component, every

detail, and every junction has been reduced or condensed to the

essentials. It is the result of the omission of the inessentials”.

Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an audio desig

perspective only. The concept of “less equating to more” has been at the hear

of all Perreaux audio designs for more than a quarter of a century.

Minimalist Electronics

We wish to maximise the quality of your listening pleasure by keeping th

componentry and signal path as uncluttered, short and clean possible. Al

components in the signal path, even those of the highest quality have an effec

on the signal, thereby altering the quality of the reproduction in some way. Ou

aim is to recreate in its entirety, the original performance by not adding o

subtracting anything, irrespective of the source.

Minimalist User Interface

We carefully study the user interface and par down the number of buttons an

associated clutter leaving just the essential and no more. How tempting it has

been over the years to loose sight of our core values as technology or trends

have made it possible. That is one of the reasons why our older products stil

have such a high resale value today. The user interface has and always wil

remain simple, free from adornments, clean and uncluttered.

Minimalist Aesthetics

Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio exclusivity, namel

the perfect blend of “form and function”.

“Form and function” are both tough masters. That is why our amplifier hea

sinks are not hidden, but instead feature prominently in all our designs. W

make no excuses for producing some of the most distinctive high-end audio

products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend together in perfec

harmony. This surely is the essence of true minimalist utilisation.

Minimalism in a Wider Context

John Pawson writes:

“Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go beyond the purely

aesthetic: it can be seen as the reflection of some innate, inner

quality, or the pursuit of philosophical or literary insight into the

nature of harmony, reason, and truth”.

Special Design

Features

Rugged Build

Quality

Mechanical strength has been a hallmark of Perreaux products since th

company first started production back in 1974. The concept behind the physica

design and construction is that each structural member should contribute to bot

rigidity and performance.

Balanced

Design

The SM6 is a truly balanced preamplifier, from input to output. The positiv

and negative halves of the signal never touch, remaining balanced throughout al

stages. This circuit topology offers the ultimate in performance, providin

increased noise rejection and lower levels of distortion.

Class A

Output

Four discrete output stages operating in Class A provide output buffering. This

enables low impedance loads to be driven, over long cable lengths using an

cable.

Multiple

Power

Supplies

There is a separate power supply for each section of the preamplifier. One fo

each of the volume control chips (two chips are used to keep the system full

balanced and therefore, to maintain separation, each chip is supplied with it’s

own separate power supply), another one for each of the output buffering stages

(once again because the SM6 utilises a fully balanced circuit topology), anothe

for the digital logic and the final power supply looks after the input relays. Th

advantage of this is that there is complete isolation from stage to stage. Th

digital noise is kept completely out. This is further evidence of a thoroughl

designed product offering.

Wireless

Remote

Control

Many audiophile grade components are still provided with analogue controls

that are adjusted on the faceplate of the unit. While total control from th

remote is common practice in standard products, and so it should be on al

products, it is not yet widely utilised on many high-end systems. Obvious

advantage is that you don’t have to get out of your chair to make an adjustment.

Some of the functions available are: mute, volume up/down, display on/off,

input select and balance.

Earthing

Perreaux engineers pay particular attention to designing the product to ensur

maximum separation between internal signal and power earths, only meeting at

central starred point.

Precision

Volume

Control

The SM6 uses two digitally controlled resistor ladder volume controls. This is

because we treat the positive and negative parts of the signal separately (tru

balanced topology). The advantages of using a digitally controlled analogu

resistor ladder to adjust volume are precise control, no contacts to corrod

creating wiper noise and no analogue component drift.

Dual Outputs

You do not need to purchase an RCA style splitter if you want to drive two

separate power amps simultaneously, as there are dual parallel preamplifier

outputs.

Maximising System Potential

Interconnects

and Speaker

Cables

An often-ignored area in high fidelity systems is the cabling connecting th

various components. Interconnect leads should be high quality cable wit

substantial terminations. Gold plate is inherently resistant to corrosion, and a

excellent conductor. The presence of corrosion induces distortion and poo

conductivity will seriously interfere with sound quality. Terminations must plu

snugly into sockets to maintain maximum conductivity and to avoid annoyin

earthing problems.

Speaker cabling is equally critical. Use only solidly constructed cable of hig

purity copper or silver content. Again, gold plated terminations ar

recommended, of the spade or banana plug type. Use cables of equal length an

as short as possible to maintain uniform electrical resistance at the lowes

possible level. If your amplifier is closer to one of your speakers than the other,

avoid coiling the longer lead as this can create inductance, with the potential o

reduced high frequency performance. Keep all connections clean, firm and tight.

The traditional adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link mos

certainly applies to audio systems.

Bi-amping

Bi-amping uses two similarly powered amplifiers, with exactly the same inpu

sensitivity so that, when the same input signal is provided to each of them, th

output level will be exactly the same. This can often be done with one powe

amplifier connected to the tweeters and another to the woofers, as it spreads th

power requirement between the two amplifiers. Bi-amping can achieve greate

control, dynamics and resolution than if you try to run everything from a singl

stereo amplifier.

Balanced

Interconnects

The use of the balanced signal inputs and outputs can have the effect of cleanin

up hums, buzzes, radio frequency interference (RFI) and general extraneous

rubbish that can enter an audio system. A balanced signal input system operates

on the principle of differential amplification. The positive and negative inputs

are contrasted against one another and the difference between them is amplified.

Noise entering the system is imposed equally on the positive and negativ

signals and therefore will not be amplified, as no differential voltage exists.

The term used to describe the quality of the effect is called Common Mod

Rejection Ratio (CMRR). CMRR is an equipment and system specification,

which describes how well unwanted common mode signals are counteracte

when used in conjunction with balanced connections. CMRR action prevents

the egress and build up of extraneous hum; buzzes and RFI when analogu

signals are conveyed down cables and between equipment powered fro

different locations and is widely used in professional audio applications.

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Perreaux SM6 User manual

Brand: Perreaux

Model: SM6

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

SM6/P

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Perreaux SM6 User manual

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Perreaux SM6 User manual

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